Type II Diabetes is very common among south Asians and the Chinese. Indians and Chinese may easily constitute 75% of world population of diabetics. It is a life style disease among sedentary and obese people which if not controlled can lead to devastating complications affecting practically all important systems of the body like brain & nervous system, eyes, heart, kidneys, arteries and so on, Control is not impossible but not very difficult to achieve. Diet and exercise are the cornerstone of management. One has to discipline oneself and that is most important first step.

Simple brisk walking for 30 minutes a day is enough. This can be done in one go or in two or even three parts during the day. One should start walking at normal pace and gradually increase the speed so as to reach a level to cover one km in 6 minutes. This may take one to three months.

Diet should include lot of proteins with minimal fats and less carbohydrates. Best would be to avoid both deep- and shallow-fried stuffs at any cost. Extra Virgin Olive oil is the only good oil. Desi ghee is the least harmful followed by Kachi ghani mustard oil. All other oils including sunflower oil are definitely HARMFUL. Avoid sweet fruits such as grape, banana, chikoo, mango, and dates. Citrus fruits and all sorts of berries can be taken in any quantity. Blueberries are the best among berries. Apple, pear and apricot in moderation. Nuts are good especially walnut and almonds.

You said it right. Diabetes can be managed by proper diet and exercise. We know Yoga & Pranayam, which is easy to learn from trained and knowledgeable teacher. Similarly, regular brisk walk of 30 min. can assist in controlling diabetes.

Interestingly, Chinese practice a specific soft exercise called Tai Chi Qigong. It's practiced by millions all over the world. It's easy to learn & practice and of non-impact type based on martial arts. Tai Chi is useful for many ailments including stress management, blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis etc.

While what you write is logical, it does not seem to be working for me. I walk atleast 5 times a week for about 40 to 45 minutes. Inspite of my travel, i walk almost everywhere in the world. In Mumbai I do yoga & pranayam (60 mins) on alternate days & also to physical training with weights etc 3 times a week ( 45 mins ). I do travel 10 days in a month. In Mumbai I eat a reasonably light breakfast & lunch. I do eat out a lot. I am very regular in my medicine. I take galvusmet 50/850 twice a day. Reglide before dinner & Eurepa if I eat a heavy meal. I rarely eat a sweet dish( with sugar ) & if I do in a very controlled measure. Yet my HBA1C is around 7.5 refusing to come down. My post meal is always high ( from 160 to 210 ) My fasting betweeen 120/140. Pre lunch & predinner ranges fro 90 to 140. 140 only at times when I have eaten some snack a while back. I eat methi in the morning. along with some natural/ayurvedic anti diabetic prescription. At 5'7" & a lean frame I weigh 67 kgs, with a bulge which i am not happy about.

I have fibromyalgia as well as a very stiff body.

I would be interested to know what else I could do to bring my sugars down.

Galvus met is not for twice daily. Galvus plain 50 mg is a single dose medication and metformin 850 can be taken twice daily. I was like you , when I was not with Galvus50(Vildagliptin) I had the same sugar levels like you and A1c was 7.1. My doctor precribed me Dianorm-M Twice daily and Galvus 50 Once daily. But as this was not sufficient to bring my sugar levels I tried Galvus50 once daily , dianorm80 and Gluformin(metformin)850 twice daily and I got a result of 98 and 124 mg/ dl fasting and PP. after 10 days..I am therefore continuing it and will be reviewing HbA1c levels after 100 days of adminstration of the drugs.and i am yet to discuss this with my doctor when I will visit him next. You may consult this with your doctor too.and get his advice.

I am now only able to reduce my sugar levels and I can review the A1c levels only after 100 days of continued medication with the present pattern..What you have mentioned as A1c level below 6 may be for non diabetes or borderlines. But it is said that anything below 7 is acceptable .

In south no body uses olive oil for food. Sunflower oil, rice bran oil are the alternatives. Avoiding ghee,hyrogenated vanaspathi, palm oil,cocoanut oil for cooking willbe helpful in reducing the fats in your body. Mixed oil with balanced oil content of different oils is stated to be good, but there is no proof on its reliability.

diabetes can be controlled if you take one glass of bitter gourd juice everyday in the morning with empty stomach and keep observing Glucose levels once in 15 days till you achieve a good result. your symptoms will disappear gradually slowly and steadily and you will find a stable results. Keep away from sweet food. If you see positive results tell this to your friends who have similar problem. All the best.